It's been a roller-coaster ride in Madison since November 11, when Clear Channel announced they were cancelling our progressive talk radio station, 92.1 the Mic. The hell of it is that the Mic has been popular and successful for two years, since its advent on this wandering frequency, far from a legacy channel (as Ed Schultz said), unless it's a legacy of failure. Progressive talk gave the station a reason for being and a dedicated following. Take me, having long since soured on radio, watching our NPR affiliate veer gradually but decidedly to the right over the years. Yet now I am a Stephanie Miller addict. That station is on all day at my house and it's not just favorite local and national personalities that are so attractive, but the full court press, the variety of opinion, approach, and personality within the overall progressive framework (God knows we are immersed in the opposite everywhere else).
Local activist Valerie Walesek, vowing not to accept this outcome, put together an online petition that attracted over 5400 signers and put everyone on notice that the community would wage a protracted campaign on this issue, confident that Madison supports this format. That was confirmed at our rally at the High Noon Saloon last week, 500+ people attending. The mayor and US Rep Tammy Baldwin sent their support. Terry Kelly, an old Madison hand and Air America principal, held forth, as did many advertisers. In fact, the strength of advertiser support has been a notable feature of this campaign.
Then Wednesday there was a mock funeral for the death of free speech in Madison and of 92.1 the Mic, picked up by one of the local TV stations.
We made it clear we would not take no for an answer, come what may, and yesterday Clear Channel-Madison announced they were reversing the decision and are re-committing to the progressive format.
What Madison can do, others can likewise do. As Digby might say, this ain't 1994 and we're not taking it any more. Anyone interested in particulars can visit this page, which has tracked the campaign. This successful six-weeks blitz is attracting national attention (rumored article in the New York Times Monday). Progressive radio is here to stay. Get used to it.